When you buy a home, the first thing that comes to mind is probably not, “How can I make this smaller? However, sometimes downsizing your living space is the only way to go. This doesn’t mean you have to give up on your style or resign yourself to some dreary apartment in the sky.
Photo by Steve Johnson on Unsplash
Bringing some design smarts into play will help you make a small place feel larger and increase its function without compromising good looks.
Start By Using A Little Imagination And These Tips To Turn A Tight Squeeze Into Well-Organised Bliss:
Maximise Every Inch
With a little creativity – and maybe a few bucks – you can craft an efficient use of all available square footage. Of course, you may need to employ some DIY skills or hire a contractor, but that can be well worth it to increase your living space without adding on.
Open up the Room
A clever way to make an area appear more expansive is to eliminate as many physical barriers as possible. Try moving all of your furniture away from walls and doors to improve traffic flow; you’ll be able to fit more activities into one room and create the illusion of extra space.
Get Big(ger)
Maximising light and views will give the impression that rooms are much larger than they actually are, making them seem inviting and bright. It would help if you did not go overboard with this idea, though, because then you end up distorting the scale of everything in the room; bigger is best used in moderation.
Think Vertical
If your home is on a single level, you can still make it feel more open and spacious by incorporating the idea of “closet gardening” (also known as “floating storage”). Shelves and drawers built into cubby holes in walls or dropped ceilings will create hidden storage space that doesn’t compromise floor space; it also helps keep everything neat and organised out of sight. In addition, you’ll love how easy it is to create an instant walk-in closet with built-in shelves and all without knocking down any walls!
Minimise Unused Space
Every square foot counts when you’re looking at making the most use out of every available nook and cranny. Storage cabinets and containers that fit into unused spaces and don’t require much work will certainly help you minimise your clutter and maximise your comfort.
Think Curves
A convex mirror placed strategically in a corner will create the illusion of an extra room or space behind it, making one part of a cramped area look like two separate rooms with mirrored walls.
Pay Attention to Detail
The devil is in the details when it comes to decorating small spaces; paint colours, textiles, and accessories play a big role in how well you can make an area look larger than its actual size. Bright splashes of colour on floors and walls can give off the illusion of higher ceilings because they create vertical lines which trick the eye into seeing more height.
Mix High and Low
Adding a combination of high-end pieces with budget furniture is a good way to save money while creating the illusion that your home is bigger than it actually is. Opt for an eclectic mix of styles, perhaps even throwing in some rustic pieces with modern ones to play up the contrasts and make everything appear more sophisticated. You’ll love how your homestead looks extra comfy, cosy and inviting!
Double Up
If you have two adjoining rooms that could benefit from added space but don’t have the funds to do so, consider making one-room double as another by removing a wall between them completely. Dormer Loft Conversion will help the flow throughout the house and increase its value once you decide to sell.
Boost Your Mood
Arranging furniture differently in a room will create the perception of more space because it makes viewers see areas they didn’t notice before or simply hadn’t thought about seeing. For example, try moving your couch to face another piece of furniture so you can get the benefit of an added seating area without using any extra floor space at all!
Think Outta Sight
Another way to boost perceived size is by creating the illusion that objects are disappearing into thin air or even just outside of view through tricks like mirrors and picture placement. Hanging items high on walls give the impression that ceilings are much taller than they actually are while also opening up space below for other activities; double-duty decorations are lifesavers for cluttered areas!
Control the Flow
A good rule of thumb when it comes to interior design is that less is more. You want visitors to your home to be able to move freely and easily around its floor plan without bumping into things or getting hung up on objects, so avoid creating too much clutter and follow a practical colour scheme with furniture placement.
Balance Your Books
Wall mirrors can double as stylish accessories that also give off the impression of added space; they reflect light and work well in small rooms. In addition, they make the walls appear taller and brighter than they actually are and can open up an area by reflecting natural sunlight indoors.
